When I was about fourteen, a budding eco-feminist and avid reader, I read a book by Inga Muscio called Cunt: A Declaration of Independence. With a blooming flower depicted on the front cover, the book was basically about vaginas. Despite hugely problematic tendencies - for example, cissexist equations of women to female genitalia (which Muscio later addressed and apologized for) and subtle advocacy for self-performing abortion - I did learn some useful information for this book. Most notably, I became more aware of the realities of the menstrual product industry.

Already skeptical of the link between tampons and Toxic Shock Syndrome, I learned in Cunt about the industry's affection for chemical alteration, particularly its use of bleach and artificial perfumes in the manufacturing of tampons and pads. Horrified, I did further research and discovered that Muscio was totally right; it occurred to me that the people in charge of creating menstrual products more often than not don't have a vagina, and subsequently are inadequately concerned with gynecological health - mind you, gynecology is fairly recent compared to other medical fields. Thankfully, Cunt opened my eyes to the existence of alternative menstrual products like cups and sponges.

Menstrual sponges are literally dead sea sponges, derived completely from nature and then cleaned and shaped for human use. They work exactly like tampons except they are reusable; once full, you wash it out with natural soap and put it right back! These are simply better in every way because you save the monthly expenditure on Tampax (sea sponges can last years), eliminate the risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome and other chemically related infections, and help the environment by conserving disposable waste. These same benefits can also be achieved by using a menstrual cup, which is a plastic cup about the size of a standard shot glass that is placed directly on the cervix during a period. Tried and true, I have been using sponges for several years, and have a handful of friends who regularly use a cup. We all highly recommend these products over conventional blood catchers.

Some people may be repulsed by this. Tampons and pads are designed to make it so that individuals have to touch their vaginas and menstrual fluid as minimally as possible; frankly, these natural alternatives will only be adored by people who are comfortable with their bodies and the things bodies do. The real problem - the reason so many chemicals are added to menstrual products to ensure white, clean-looking, sweet-smelling pieces of vagina cotton - is the shameful stigma surrounding menses, which sponges and shot glasses alone can do nothing for.

~In regards to purchasing all-natural menstrual products, I highly recommend Jade & Pearl~